About this fungus
Red Coral is a fungus in the Gomphaceae family. Its habitat and field characteristics are summarised below.
A striking western North American coral fungus with densely forked red to magenta branches rising from a whitish base.
What to check
Look for repeated upright branching, narrow tips and a whitish, finely fuzzy base. Branches fade with age, so microscopic spore features and specialist chemical reactions may be required for a firm species identification. There are no gills, pores, ring or volva.
Variation
Fresh branches range from vivid red to magenta, fading through pink to orange or dull ochre. Tips may remain red or become yellow-orange.
Lookalikes
Ramaria stuntzii, Ramaria cyaneigranosa and other red or fading Ramaria can be inseparable from photographs alone. Some Ramaria cause gastrointestinal poisoning, and old specimens lose the colours that make the group look distinctive.
Habitat and range
Fruits on woodland soil under conifers, especially western hemlock, and under some western hardwoods such as tanoak. The strict species is North American.
Food safety
Edibility is uncertain or disputed.